Other Technical Discussions A place for technical discussions NOT related to Porsche or BMW. Other makes, home DIY, etc. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Is it bad to step on gas in 5th gear???
Let's see if I can give a short version?
I posted something on a VW GTI forum about encountering a problem when accelerating in 5th gear. Among the responses were admonitions against stepping on the gas in higher gears. I got no real explanation why, but it seems there are concerns that doing this puts undo stress on the clutch and/or flywheel. Presumably more than stepping on the gas in a lower gear. I have never heard of such a thing. So, if I am on a highway, doing some speed at 3K RPM in 5th gear, and I step on the gas to accelerate, am I doing some particular harm to the car? If there is some urgency, such as passing a car on a two-lane road, I would probably drop a gear. But there are plenty of times that I want to scoot, but don't feel the need for a downshift. FYI, the problem I encountered was a sudden drop in RPM, as if the nannies cut in for some reason. If you have some time to kill and want to read the whole discussion, here is a link: Mk7forum.
__________________
2015 Cayman GTS 2021 Jetta R-line 2016 F-250 Formerly owned Porsche/BMW: 1986 944 Turbo 2006 325i 2000 911 1987 924S 1999 Boxster 1986 944 |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
Safety Chair, PCA Potomac Region Retired DE Chair, PCA Potomac Region. Retired Co-Chief Instructor PCA Potomac 2008-2012 1971 914/6 (Factory) 3.2 Track car 1988 911 Targa 1986 944 |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
stress on flywheel? good one more than likely you could cause pre-ignition issues and it would have to be pretty bad to cause mechanical damage but spark plug or even piston damage could occur. Think trying to climb a mountain in 6th from 2k rpm. With forced induction the risk is higher, but knock sensors arent exactly new and work up until abuse.
__________________
78 SC, the 'Red Car' |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Really don’t think it matter so much with computer controlled cars. Back in the day you might get bucking or hesitation which long term is bad. Or in high torque cars w/worn clutches. Which I’ve proven on several occasions..... back in the day!
__________________
David I hope to arrive to my death, late, in love, and a little drunk! Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand... Homer Simpson "That's what's keeping me out of F1.... Too much mental maturity...." N0tt0n Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. CHAOS, PANIC, AND DISORDER my work here is done... Live without pretending, Love without depending, Listen without defending, Speak without offending |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
The car is ruined, junk I tell you. Best to scrap it and get a real car
__________________
Karl Lucky owner of a couple of 911’s and another Porsche or two |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
I read the same drama with my Civic Si on the Honda forums. Lugging is bad, yes, but @3K? that's not lugging. At 1500? that's lugging. Some on the Honda forum argued the cars super low tq curve put undue stress on 5th and 6th gears when asking for full acceleration below 2K rpms. But as you mention, if you are really going to summon power, you would downshift 1-2 gears to get the revs/boost up and go for it.
But, you might want to take Karls advice.. Its just a piece of fragile German crap
__________________
Dave - 1970 914-6 Past - 2000 Boxster - 1987 944 - 1987 924S - 1978 911 Euro SC - 1976 914 2.0 - 1970 914 1.7 / 2056cc |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Simple solution.....don't use 5th gear.
__________________
- Tony P. Currently - 1984 944 SP2 racer - 1977 911 KM Special vintage racer - 2012 Cayman R (also the wife's) - 2000 Boxster S (now mine) - 1995 993 (garage queen) - 2007 Cayman S (wife's track beast) - 2017 F350 (tow monster) - 2018 Jeep Wrangler Gone but not forgotten - 1989 944S2 - 1979 RX7 - 1986 944 - 1991 944S2 (in car heaven...) - 2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 (FIL's beast now) |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
__________________
Barry 18 Carrera cab 15 Macan S |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
I'm still thinking of setting up a Go Fund Me page for the replacement of my 996. If I do that I will let you know, and I will be happy to accept large contributions
__________________
2015 Cayman GTS 2021 Jetta R-line 2016 F-250 Formerly owned Porsche/BMW: 1986 944 Turbo 2006 325i 2000 911 1987 924S 1999 Boxster 1986 944 |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Actually, with the cars I have owned that had/have six-speed transmissions (Jetta TDI, 996, 325i, and now GTI), I often skip 5th gear altogether. Most of the time when I am increasing speed to some sort of highway speed, I go straight from 4th to 6th. I don't really see much need to have more than five gears.
I remember Click and Clack joking about using gears 1, 3 and 5 on certain days of the week, and 2 and 4 on others.
__________________
2015 Cayman GTS 2021 Jetta R-line 2016 F-250 Formerly owned Porsche/BMW: 1986 944 Turbo 2006 325i 2000 911 1987 924S 1999 Boxster 1986 944 |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|